The Puerto del Rey Marina, located in Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico, plans to begin a multi-million dollar improvement project in 2008, according to Vice President Denison Shelley. The improvements are part of Puerto del Rey’s strategy to capitalize on the 2009 opening of a 5+ star resort adjacent to the marina.
“We are seeing more and more megayachts in our facility and expect the trend to continue, especially with the opening of the Cayo Largo Golf and Beach Resort,” says Shelley. “Also, the 2009 opening of the Roosevelt Roads Airport, which is five minutes from Puerto del Rey and has an 11,000 foot runway, will make our facility very convenient for megayacht owners and charterers who want to arrive in any type of private aircraft, even if it’s a 747.”
Shelley says that the marina project’s first phase, expected to be completed during 2009 at an investment of $7 million, will include remodeling and upgrading of Puerto del Rey’s restaurants, retail establishments and common areas, as well as the addition of a swimming pool, fitness facility, new showers and bathrooms. A planned water sports center will offer yacht and fishing charters, diving trips and lessons, and excursions to the nearby Spanish Virgin Islands.
The second phase expected to begin in 2009-2010 will include a luxury boutique hotel, a new yacht club, additional restaurants and retail establishments, and residential units to be offered for sale.
Puerto del Rey also plans to increase its number of megayacht slips with the addition of a new megayacht marina to be located north of the existing marina facilities. The investment in the second phase is estimated to be between $30 and $50 million.
The design of the improvements and the new facilities is being conducted by Marvel & Marchand Architects and Jorge Rosello Interior Designers and Space Planners, who recently designed the La Concha and the Vanderbuilt hotels in San Juan, as well as Las Casitas at the Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo.
Shelley is confident that planned improvements will take the Fajordo facility, which already has a winning, year-round combination of facilities and services, to the next level as one of the Caribbean’s premier yachting centers.
“Our marina offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for anything the owner of a megayacht or 30 foot boat may need,” says Shelley, “whether it’s first class dockage, repairs or maintenance, a complete refit, or a hurricane plan—with a reserved space on land for yachts who want to remain in the Caribbean during hurricane season and have to comply with insurance company restrictions.”
For more information on Puerto del Rey Marina, call 787-863-8880 or email marina@puertodelrey.com.
